By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
    Health
    Healthcare organizations are operating on slimmer profit margins than ever. One report in August showed that they are even lower than the beginning of the…
    Show More
    Top News
    What Are the Benefits of CBD?
    November 27, 2021
    How to Measure Adult Diapers- The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Right Size
    March 8, 2022
    medicine cabinet
    The Effect Of Finished Dosage Form Manufacturing In New Drugs
    July 5, 2022
    Latest News
    Beyond Nutrition: Everyday Foods That Support Whole-Body Health
    June 15, 2025
    The Wide-Ranging Benefits of Magnesium Supplements
    June 11, 2025
    The Best Home Remedies for Migraines
    June 5, 2025
    The Hidden Impact Of Stress On Your Body’s Alignment And Balance
    May 22, 2025
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
    Policy and Law
    Get the latest updates about Insurance policies and Laws in the Healthcare industry for different geographical locations.
    Show More
    Top News
    Medical Negligence
    The Impact of Medical Negligence: How Claims Can Help You Move Forward
    January 6, 2025
    Advancing Your Healthcare Career through Education and Specialization
    April 16, 2025
    PPACA: “It’s in there!”
    September 9, 2017
    Latest News
    Let Your Lawyer Handle the Work Before You Pay Medical Costs
    July 6, 2025
    Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
    June 25, 2025
    When Healthcare Ends, the Legal Process Begins: What Families Should Know About Probate and Medical Estates
    June 20, 2025
    Preventing Contamination In Healthcare Facilities Starts With Hygiene
    June 15, 2025
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: Eating Well After Stroke: Tips for Dealing With Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia) and Post-Stroke Eating Problems
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Wellness > Home Health > Eating Well After Stroke: Tips for Dealing With Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia) and Post-Stroke Eating Problems
Home Health

Eating Well After Stroke: Tips for Dealing With Swallowing Disorders (Dysphagia) and Post-Stroke Eating Problems

eCaring
eCaring
Share
4 Min Read
SHARE

Dysphagia after stroke

 

Dysphagia after stroke

 

More Read

Mental Health And Debt: How Are They Associated
6 Tips to Improve Your Whole Family’s Health
Social Media in Healthcare—Where is it Leading Us?
Diet And Fitness Advice: What Should You Eat To Be Healthy?
Get Onboard With These Top Health Trends In 2019

Eating well after stroke is key to successful recovery. After all, our bodies need proper nutrition and fuel to heal. But it’s hard to eat when you have trouble swallowing or keeping food in your mouth. A person who has suffered a stroke may have problems using utensils, preparing meals, or even feeling motivated enough to eat.

Many stroke survivors also struggle with a common challenge when eating: dysphagia. Brain damage as a result of stroke weakens or paralyzes muscles that help enable chewing and swallowing. Since a person with dysphagia does not receive food properly, they may face serious health problems including dehydration, choking, malnutrition and pneumonia.

Signs of dysphagia include:

  • Frequent coughing
  • An usually deep or husky voice
  • Clearing one’s throat often
  • Food or saliva falling from the mouth while eating

If the condition is serious, a feeding tube may be needed. But as a caregiver, there are ways you can make eating easier for a person with dysphagia:

soft food diet after stroke

  • Choose soft foods that are easy to chew. Eggs, cottage cheese, applesauce, canned fruit, soups, and mashed potatoes are a few nutritious options.
  • Cut food into smaller pieces
  • Use a blender or food processor to make foods a creamy texture
  • Use food thickeners such as flour, instant potato flacks, or matzo meal to thicken liquids, making them easier to swallow

 

Loss of Appetite Following A Stroke

After a stroke, a person’s appetite might not be as voracious as it used to be. Many survivors feel less hungry during the day. However, it critical stroke survivors not forget to eat and that he or she consume calories regularly.

If a stroke survivor’s appetite is weak, try:

  • Encouraging the person to eat more meals throughout the day. Instead of three square meals, test-run eating 5-6 smaller meals throughout the day.
  • Tempt with smell. If the physical sensation of hunger isn’t strong, try compensating by activating other senses. Prepare colorful meals with pleasant smells to enhance the activity of eating. Caregiver tip: If the person has suffered vision loss on one side, try turning the plate so the food is the person’s functioning field of vision.
  • Build in snacks. Pepper in healthy snacks between meals to keep the person’s energy level high throughout the day. Choose super brain-foods packed with protein, such a nuts or seeds for an extra boost.

Stroke survivors and trouble using eating utensils

Stroke can result is a loss of motor skills and coordination. Some survivors may find it hard to a maneuver eating utensils. Caregivers can purchase special products that can help stroke survivors use knives, forks, and spoons more easily.

Look for flatware:

  • With larger handles for easier gripping
  • With curved handles to cut food with one hand
  • With grips to make lifting food easier
  • Made of unbreakable plastic to prevent shattering if dropped
  • Made of rubber for easy cleaning

 

What other post-stroke eating problems have your encountered? How have you managed? Share and help others learn from your story!

TAGGED:stroke
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

car accident lawsuit
Let Your Lawyer Handle the Work Before You Pay Medical Costs
Policy & Law
July 6, 2025
women dental care
What Is a Smile Makeover and How Much Does It Cost?
Dental health
June 30, 2025
HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps
Top HIPAA-Compliant Messaging Apps for Healthcare Teams
Global Healthcare Policy & Law Technology
June 25, 2025
recovering from injury
Rebuilding After Injury: Path to Physical and Emotional Recovery
News
June 22, 2025

You Might also Like

How Ordering Your Groceries Online Can Help You Eat Healthier

October 5, 2018
health benefits of coffee
Home HealthWellness

11 Interesting Health Benefits of Drinking Coffee Regularly

August 26, 2021

CarePlanners New Model for Helping Mom and Dad

January 5, 2013
Medical Homes
Health ReformHome HealthPublic Health

The Difference Between Patient-Centered Medical Homes and Medicaid Health Homes (In Plain English)

April 30, 2013
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?